Biodiversity: Threats and Conservation

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of living beings on Earth, including microorganisms, plants, animals, and ecosystems. It represents a wealth of biological resources, but human exploitation has led to an ecological imbalance and a serious threat to biodiversity. This volume discusses the biodiversity of specific animal groups and the importance of conserving them for sustainability, as well as the emerging role of biodiversity as a source of important materials and pharmaceuticals. It also addresses the impact of environment degradation on biodiversity and conservation in a changing environment and the use of conventional and emerging biotechnological techniques to preserve it. The book is intended for academics, scientists, and naturalists working in the fields of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and biomedical sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 476 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Biodiversity, also known as biological diversity, encompasses the incredible variety of living organisms found on our planet, including microorganisms, plants, animals, and ecosystems such as coral reefs, forests, and deserts. It represents a vast wealth of biological resources that are available to us. However, in today's world, we have strayed far from our connection with nature, engaging in relentless exploitation that has led to an ecological imbalance and posed a significant threat to biodiversity.

Declining biodiversity is a concern for countless reasons. Biodiversity's wealth of genetic information can be conserved by storing biological material from endangered species. Cell lines, gametes, and embryos are preserved to ensure the survival of a species in the event of extinction or to increase its population when necessary.

The present volume delves into the biodiversity of specific animal groups, such as cnidarians and fish, as well as the potential risks to these species and the methods employed for their conservation. It addresses several important aspects:

The Importance of Biodiversity in Maintaining Ecosystem Balance for Sustainability: Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, ensuring their sustainability and resilience. It contributes to the provision of essential services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

The Emerging Role of Biodiversity as a Source of Important Materials, Pharmaceuticals, Food, and so on: Biodiversity is not only valuable for its ecological significance but also for its potential to provide valuable materials and resources. It has been discovered that many natural compounds found in plants and animals have therapeutic properties, and researchers are exploring ways to harness these resources for medical purposes. Additionally, biodiversity is a source of food and agricultural products, contributing to food security and economic development.

The Impact of Environment Degradation on Biodiversity and Conservation in a Changing Environment: The changing environment, driven by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, poses significant threats to biodiversity. These threats include habitat loss, species extinction, and ecological imbalances. Conservation efforts are crucial in mitigating these impacts and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Conventional and Emerging Biotechnological Techniques to Conserve Biodiversity: Conventional conservation methods, such as habitat protection, species management, and sustainable use of natural resources, are important in conserving biodiversity. However, emerging biotechnological techniques, such as genetic engineering, cloning, and tissue culture, offer new opportunities for preserving and restoring biodiversity. These techniques can help in the conservation of endangered species, the development of new crop varieties, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

The book is intended for academics, scientists, and naturalists working in the fields of biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and related disciplines. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of biodiversity, its importance, and the challenges faced in conserving it. By understanding the value of biodiversity and the threats it faces, we can work towards a more sustainable future where we can preserve and protect the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

Weight: 1070g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032115443